President Welcomes Announcement of Political Timetable in Iraq
Statement by the President

I welcome the announcement by the Iraqi Governing Council of a
political timetable as called for by the United Nations in UN
resolution 1511. This statement is an important step toward realizing
the vision of Iraq as a democratic, pluralistic country at peace with
its neighbors.

The plan outlined by the Governing Council meets a key mutual
objective of the Coalition and the Iraqi people: the restoration of
sovereignty to a body chosen by the citizens of Iraq and based in a
legal framework. It also commits Iraq to a process for drafting a
permanent, democratic constitution that protects the rights of all
citizens.

The U.S. stands ready to help the Governing Council and all Iraqis
translate this new timeline into political reality. The American
people are committed to the future of an Iraq that is democratic and
prosperous.